When a Texas cold snap hits, it can catch even the most prepared homeowners off guard. While Texans are used to sweltering summers, a sudden drop in temperature can put serious strain on your home’s heating system. Taking a few proactive steps to prepare your furnace before the chill sets in can make all the difference in comfort, safety, and efficiency. Here’s how to make sure your system is ready when the next cold front rolls through Houston.
1. Start With a Few Quick Safety Checks
Before you even turn on your furnace, give your home a quick safety review. Replace or clean your furnace filter to ensure proper airflow and prevent overheating. Clear any obstructions from supply vents and return grilles. Furniture, rugs, and curtains can easily block airflow and make your system work harder.
Next, test your carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. Because furnaces burn fuel, a malfunction could allow CO to leak into your home. Make sure alarms have fresh batteries and are located near sleeping areas. It’s a simple step that offers peace of mind during long winter nights.
2. Test Your Furnace Early
Don’t wait for the first cold night to find out your furnace isn’t working. Turn your thermostat to heat mode and increase the temperature a few degrees above the current room temperature. The furnace should kick on within a minute or two. Listen for unusual noises, pay attention to any musty or burning smells, and ensure warm air is blowing from your vents.
3. Check the Thermostat and Circuit Breaker
A faulty thermostat or tripped breaker can often be mistaken for a serious furnace issue. If your system won’t turn on, double-check that your thermostat is set to “heat” and that the batteries (if applicable) are fresh. Then check your circuit panel to make sure the furnace breaker hasn’t tripped.
If you have a gas furnace with a pilot light, confirm that it’s lit. If it isn’t, follow your manufacturer’s relighting instructions carefully or call a professional to safely handle it for you.
4. Replace Filters and Clear Returns
Dirty air filters restrict airflow, reducing efficiency and increasing the risk of breakdowns when your system is under stress. Replace disposable filters every one to three months during the heating season, depending on your usage and air quality.
While you’re at it, inspect your home’s return air grilles. Dust and pet hair can accumulate around them, especially if your furnace hasn’t been used for a while. Keeping these areas clean helps maintain good indoor air quality and ensures your furnace doesn’t overwork itself.
5. Know What to Do if the Furnace Smells Odd
When you first turn your furnace on after months of inactivity, you might notice a faint burning smell. This is typically just dust burning off the heat exchanger and should fade quickly. However, if the odor is strong, persistent, or smells like gas, turn off the system immediately and contact Village Plumbing & Air. A professional technician can inspect your system for safety hazards before restarting it.
6. Insulate and Draft-Proof Your Home
Even the most efficient furnace can struggle if your home leaks warm air. Seal gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk. Adding insulation in your attic or around exposed ductwork can also make a big difference in how evenly your home stays warm.
During an unexpected cold snap, small touches, like placing draft stoppers under doors or closing curtains at night, can help trap heat and reduce strain on your furnace.
7. Prepare for Power Outages and Emergencies
Texas homeowners know that cold snaps can sometimes come with power outages. Keep blankets, flashlights, and batteries on hand, and know where your main furnace shut-off switch is located. If your power goes out, turn your thermostat off until electricity is restored to prevent a sudden surge when it returns.
If your furnace still won’t start once power is back, or if you smell gas, leave your home immediately and contact emergency services before calling Village Plumbing & Air for a professional inspection.
Call Village Plumbing & Air for a Furnace Tune-Up Before the Cold Hits
The best way to prepare for a Texas cold snap is to have your furnace professionally inspected before temperatures drop. At Village Plumbing & Air, our licensed HVAC technicians provide comprehensive furnace tune-ups to ensure safe, efficient operation. We’ll check your burners, heat exchanger, blower, and electrical components, and make sure your system is ready for whatever weather surprises Houston has in store.
Don’t wait until the chill is already in the air. Schedule your furnace maintenance today with Village Plumbing & Air and stay warm and worry-free all winter long!
